One of the most overlooked yet important factors in safety culture influence is the power of symbols. The psychological significance of symbols and the embodiment of values in symbols are often neglected when organisations think about safety culture. Many organisations have next to no emphasis on … [Read more...] about Symbols Have Power
Zero Harm
You Don’t Believe in Common Sense?
The Coroners decision confirms it, there is no ‘common sense’, it can’t be assumed, and we shouldn’t talk about it because it dumbs down the industry and perpetuates a delusional myth. On 5 July the Queensland Coroner has found three men who died while working on the Federal Government's home … [Read more...] about You Don’t Believe in Common Sense?
Simple or Simplistic Risk and Safety
‘Argument progresses in three stages: superficial simplicity, confused complexity and profound simplicity. Mindful organisations and leaders are prepared to struggle through confused complexity to find profound simplicity. Mindless organisations tend to settle for the first superficial simplicity … [Read more...] about Simple or Simplistic Risk and Safety
The Ideology of Zero Harm
Since writing my book For the Love of Zero, Human Fallibility and Risk I have received on average, two emails a week from people who have been threatened with or been sacked for challenging this mantra. Some of these people are overseas with mining and construction companies and some in … [Read more...] about The Ideology of Zero Harm
Binary Discipline and The Easy Road of Consequence
Binary Discipline and The Easy Road of Consequence There are many dimensions to the fallibility of being human and many inbuilt psychological mechanisms that operate unconsciously, individually and socially. The idea of behaviourist theory that humans are machines is nonsense. In the face of the … [Read more...] about Binary Discipline and The Easy Road of Consequence
What Does Self Harm Teach us About Safety and Risk
Another very interesting article by Dr Robert Long about the nonsense non-human goals, like Zero Harm, that CEOs set in safety and risk. If you liked this article then you should read the whole series: CLICK HERE. I highly recommend you check out Rob’s new book “RISK MAKES SENSE” What Does Self … [Read more...] about What Does Self Harm Teach us About Safety and Risk
Double Speak in Managing Risk and Safety
Enthusiasm, Motivation and Double Speak in Managing Risk and Safety I have a close friend who recently became a safety systems manager for a tier one construction company. He had just obtained his qualifications and was bright eyed, bushy tailed and enthusiastic about making a difference. He … [Read more...] about Double Speak in Managing Risk and Safety
Whatever It Takes
‘Whatever it takes’ Another brain buster by Dr Robert Long. I highly recommend his other Articles HERE and his new book: For The Love of Zero Just when we were recovering from drug shortcuts by Lance Armstrong, we discover that drug taking is endemic and enculturated in Australian sport. At the … [Read more...] about Whatever It Takes
Lies, Shortcuts and Lessons from Armstrong
First thought provoking article for the New Year by Dr Robert Long. I highly recommend his other Articles HERE and his new book: For The Love of Zero Lies, Shortcuts and Lessons from Armstrong Much has been made of the Armstrong scandal and many find it hard to believe that someone could be so … [Read more...] about Lies, Shortcuts and Lessons from Armstrong
Don’t mention the ‘V’ Word
Any review of the discourse in orthodox safety reveals the omission of many words, language and discourse that are critical for an holistic understanding of safety. Just trawl through conference proceedings for the SIA or blogs or podcasts or books on safety and try and find discussion on … [Read more...] about Don’t mention the ‘V’ Word